Winter ends and spring begins today (March 20). Sometimes, here in Texas, we actually need a calendar reminder to determine what season we're in since our weather can fall into rather predictable routines.

One thing that we can't ignore is the slow blooming of trees and shrubs around the area. Once it starts, it seems to accelerate as every tree bursts forth with new growth, wildflowers spring up along the roads, and pastures begin greening up when they receive precious rainfall. Whether the calendar agrees or not, in Mason County, we know that spring has begun and will soon kick into overdrive.

Spring fever has already kicked in. For many of us in the county, that has been rather literal this year, as upper respiratory infections, flu and pneumonia make the rounds of both young and old. The coughing is an inescapable background noise to church, meetings and any public gathering. Everyone is doing their best to soldier their way on through the infections and trying to breathe normally once more.

But, the other spring fever is only just beginning.

You see kids walking around town with a bit of an extra spring in their step. You see adults moving about with smiles on their faces, smelling the fresh air and reveling in the promise of a new season. And, all of them are enjoying the colors returning to the countryside.

In the last few weeks, we've cleaned up the office, the intern and her sister cleaned out the storage room, I cleaned my bedroom and bathroom at home, and I've hauled off enough trash to make a fine bonfire. There's something about the approach of spring that makes us want to clear out the dust and cobwebs, straighten up the furniture and try things that we've put off repeatedly in the past. The promise of new growth, the promise of potential.

I took the same approach to the 2013 Spring Visitors' Guide that we're working on currently. Rather than just adding one or two new articles, I talked to numerous authors and photographers about providing new material for this year's guide. And, with the wonderful spirit of cooperation that is so easily found in Mason, they have all pitched in together to help us turn out something that the entire community can enjoy and share.

The Guide will come out in the April 3 edition. For we at the News office, this is our second largest publication after our Fall Hunters' Guide. It requires months of preparation, and is out in the community for half a year, helping visitors to know why we love our community; and, helping residents remember the good in our midst.

Of course, it's a dangerous time of year as well. There are snakes emerging from their dens, and several folks have already killed some big rattlers. But, it's also dangerous because spring fever makes us all become a bit distracted and unfocused. We have to remind ourselves to do the things we're supposed to do, and we have to double check our "to do lists" to make sure that we haven't overlooked important details such as brushing our teeth, refilling the toilet paper and turning off the coffee maker.

So what?! It's fun be distracted. It's enjoyable to forget why we entered a room. It's great to see the world coming back from winter.

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